Pasha Melli, project manager at Altin Homes, shares his thoughts on handling project setbacks, how he got to where he is today, and his favourite project to date.
Can you describe your role at Altin Homes?
I’m a project manager at Altin Homes, usually delivering the more luxurious properties that we offer.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how did you become a project manager?
Building homes felt like a clear path from an early age. I was inspired when I would see buildings go up in the town centre, so choosing to undertake a degree in civil engineering seemed like the obvious option. It wasn’t until I was in the middle of the course that I realised it wasn’t right for me. Civil engineers sit in an office and design all day but I wanted to be out on site. I realised that the actual person who merged every aspect of a project together was the project manager so I decided to undertake a project management master’s degree. I loved the energy I got from it and I knew that it was the right move for me straight away.
What’s your daily routine at Altin Homes?
My routine really depends on which stage we’re at on the project. In the early stages, we’re looking at the planning and visibility of a project, signing contracts and finding suppliers or contractors, so those are usually office-based days. I get in at nine and start planning my day, studying the drawings and designs and making sure I can envision the project in full.
As the project develops, we have two types of days. I’m either in the office, checking the progress of the work and communicating with the construction team or I’m on-site. Sometimes, the two routines can merge into one day.
I really value the importance of going on-site. It gives you a sense of pride and motivation when you go to check on the progress of the development. You feel the urgency of what needs to be done, rather than sitting behind a desk and being told. You know what information people need or what needs delivering to avoid letting anyone down.
What key words or terms would you use to describe yourself and your approach to managing projects?
I try to take on a people-based approach. I want to try and make a connection with everyone I work with and never seem rigid. One of the main aspects of project management is learning how to handle emotions. This can be my own or the people who are involved in the project. I try to approach that by always making sure I have the best energy.
What has been your favourite Altin Homes project to work on so far and why?
My favourite project so far has been Fairfield. This is a house with such rich character. It’s only 20 years old and we recently renovated it to modernise it, in keeping with current trends. The way we did this house was so interesting. I found that little things make a massive difference which was so amazing to see.
Which has been your most challenging project to manage and why?
If we’re looking at most recent projects, Hilltop was the most challenging. The amount of detail that went into it was so specific, there’s something about every single characteristic in the house. It’s one of the reasons why the project took so long, it was a new challenge for everyone involved. It took us digesting and understanding what needed to be done first before any action took place. The architects involved had a vision and they wanted something very specific. Everything was considered, even to the exact millimetre, which was something that was new to me.
How do you handle setbacks on projects?
Something I find challenging is dealing with indecisiveness. When people keep changing their minds, it can get quite frustrating for everyone involved on the project and is a common challenge every project manager has to learn how to handle. I tend to try and consider how a change affects every aspect of the project. This means really understanding the consequences of the setback, try to prioritise the biggest change and take it from there.
When you’re first instructed on a project, what are the first two things you do?
The first step is looking at the drawings and envisioning how I want to do the project. It’s amazing to be able to see how you can create something out of nothing. The second step is picturing the process of the project: what’s the plan, what are the main challenges involved. If I overcome the challenges from the get go, the process will run a lot more smoothly and be really enjoyable to work on.
Do you have tips for staying organised?
It can prove quite challenging to stay on top of things and it’s something I still struggle with. However, having great people around me always helps me stay organised. I keep a weekly plan and a bi-weekly plan of the things I need to complete for different projects, as I’m usually tackling three or four projects at the same time. I plan what I want to achieve in a week and in a month, so I know what my goals are. Every night before bed, I always review my work for tomorrow. Instead of novels, I’m reading my to-do list for the next day!
Can you give three pieces of advice to our aspiring project managers who are looking to get into the construction industry?
When a project goes off course, learning how to handle changes and setbacks is the most valuable lesson for new project managers. There’s not a single project in the world that goes directly to plan. You always need to be able to cope with sudden changes.
You also need to be a source of energy and inspiration. You are there to help other people, to give other people drive. That’s one of the most important things.
My last piece of advice is to remember that you’re a project manager, you have the main responsibility but you should never be scared of asking for help. Ask for as much help as you need and the project will only get better.
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